TAGBILARAN CITY – A stray bullet struck a house in Barangay Booy on New Year’s Eve, sparking fears about revelers’ safety during holiday festivities.
The incident occurred around 12:08 a.m. as fireworks displays peaked, according to police authorities.
The bullet hit the roof of the residence, but no one was injured as the family was gathered in the living room for a prayer to welcome the new year.
Police believe the bullet was fired into the air by an unknown individual as part of the tradition of firing firearms to celebrate the holiday.
Tagbilaran City Police Chief Lt. Col. John KareenEscober has dispatched a team to investigate and determine the origin of the stray bullet.
The Philippine National Police has reminded the public that using firearms to celebrate the New Year is illegal and dangerous.
City Mayor Jane Yap also urged residents to celebrate responsibly, citing the risk of life-threatening consequences from stray bullets.
This incident is the latest in a series of New Year’s Eve-related accidents nationwide.
Authorities are calling on citizens to avoid reckless behavior, such as indiscriminate gunfire, and celebrate the holiday safely.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the person responsible for the stray bullet.
Stray Bullet Incidents
In 2024, the country’s New Year celebrations were marred by a surge in stray bullet incidents, with 27 cases of indiscriminate firing reported nationwide, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The incidents resulted in six injuries and one fatality, with the majority of cases occurring in the Calabarzon Region, National Capital Region, and Western Visayas.
Authorities arrested 21 individuals, including 18 civilians, one police personnel, one security guard, and one Bureau of Corrections personnel, in connection with the incidents.
The PNP confiscated 17 firearms during the operations, highlighting the dangers of celebratory gunfire during New Year’s Eve festivities.
Despite the increase in incidents, the number of injuries was lower than in previous years.
The data shows a rise in indiscriminate firing cases compared to last year, which saw one fatality and several injuries.
The PNP has cited the need for heightened awareness and strict enforcement against illegal firearm use during festive occasions.
The incidents have prompted authorities to reiterate their call for responsible celebrations, warning that stray bullets can have life-threatening consequences.
Camp Crame has vowed to continue its efforts to curb the practice of celebratory gunfire and ensure a safer environment for the public.
In a statement, the PNP said it would intensify its campaign against illegal firearm use, particularly during holidays and other celebrations.
The police agency has also urged the public to report any incidents of indiscriminate firing and to cooperate with authorities in preventing such incidents.
The stray bullet incidents have cast a shadow over the otherwise peaceful New Year celebrations in the country, with authorities working to prevent such incidents in the future.